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The Taco Bell Chihuahua

CBUB Wins: 0
CBUB Losses: 0
Win Percentage: 0%

Added by: Z451

Read more about The Taco Bell Chihuahua at: Wikipedia

Official Site: Taco Bell

Gidget "The Taco Bell chihuahua" Chipperton (February 7, 1994 - July 21, 2009) was a popular advertising figure and mascot, voiced by Carlos Alazraqui, and developed by TBWA and used by Taco Bell, a division of Louisville, Kentucky (USA)-based Yum! Brands. The Chihuahua is a breed commonly associated with Mexico, as are the taco the restaurant serves. At least 2 dogs were used as models. The original dog cast for the lead role was named Dinky, but was replaced shortly thereafter by a dog named Gidget. Taco was another Chihuahua and was a stand-in for Gidget.

In September 1997, Taco Bell used the dog in one advertisement in the Northeastern United States.

The dog (sometimes depicted as a Mexican revolutionary wearing a beret or as a bandido wearing a sombrero) was made to speak through special effects. Her advertising catchphrase was "¡Yo quiero Taco Bell!" ("I want Taco Bell!"). Her voiceover was provided by Carlos Alazraqui whilst Perry Herman played the national announcer.

The figure grew popular, so much so that toy figures of the dog were produced, and "Yo quiero (X)" became a recognized piece of popular culture. The dog also started 2 other catchphrases: "Drop the chalupa!" (which briefly became an oft-quoted phrase on SportsCenter) and "Viva Gordita!," meaning "Long live Gorditas!" In a noted crossover with the 1998 Godzilla film, the dog famously tried to trap the monster in a box, goading the beast with the phrase, "Here, lizard lizard lizard!", only to see Godzilla's size and respond, "Uh-oh. I think I'm going to need a bigger box" (a reference to Jaws).

The Taco Bell Chihuahua has not been a contender in any CBUB matches.